"I'm calling this cold spell".  Irritating!

Nauseous attempts to be "the first" to spot a cold spell has to rank as the pinnacle of delusional self aggrandisement.

The obsession with cold can get pretty irritating, even as someone who normally enjoys cold, snowy weather. 

That's why I'm secretly hoping for a December 2015 redo. 

Sure, unless it's overcast, then it can be an issue by March. But the other way of looking at it is that, unless it's sunny, then it isn't an issue at all. And I think that is Rob's point: it's annoying because people post it as though sunshine is inevitable.

When I stuck a video on YouTube of the March snowfall earlier this year, I made sure to label it 'Sledging in Somerset, 19 March 2018', complete with date, for this very reason: to emphasize that fantastic, lasting snow was possible at just 25 m above sea level, as far south as Somerset, as late as the second half of March. And that the reaction, should there be the prospect of it happening again, ought to be 'yippee', rather than an immediate 'oh, the sun will be too high in the sky by then'.

OK, now we've mentioned every phrase known to mankind, I guess we can close this thread - and, indeed, both the MO and Winter Discussion threads.

I think the reason for that is that seeing snow brings out the child in all of us. Like yourself, I enjoy snow too, but there are other weather events that can happen in winter that are just as interesting for the committed enthusiast. 

I can't remember who it was, but someone last year was complaining about the phrase "frosts early and late", and claiming it didn't make sense. 

I agree. Blizzards, thundersnow, drifting... all also very desirable

Also the inevitable slop and the slush when it slowly begins to melt into the filthy gutters. There is nothing as ugly as melting snow. 

YAWN 

the things that that get on my nerves are the same sanctimonious pricks trotting out their blinkered views that have been discounted by many knowledgeable and creditable posters USING FACTS

sorry v nimby but hopefully on topic.

Grumpy Simon

From a coldies perspective it’s just salt in the wounds.

(Replying to Uncle Ted)
That's a really good point. Forecasters must have the necessary information to hand, as you can't calculate the temperature for anywhere unless you take altitude into account. Yet, off the the top of my head, I can't think of anywhere it's readily available for any particular point on the map a user chooses.

Unless TWO users know better ...

A very pertinent point, as it has a direct impact on you.

Another symptom of the 'dumbing down' of the weather (amongst other things... like the news)

There are a few options that allow you to see the freezing level or 0°C isotherm and (a little bit more technical) where you can see the temperature at various pressure readings e.g. t850hPa, t92hPa. The problem with the latter option is that these values do not always correspond to height above sea level even though they can sometimes be used as an estimate.

Occasionally forecasters do mention the snow level though. For example this morning’s BBC Scotland forecast mentioned that snow would fall to altitudes as low 300m (or perhaps 200m, I can’t remember ) up here later today and tonight.

This chart from the 06z GFS op run (which also shows 500-1000hPa thicknesses) shows the 0°C level which ties in nicely with the forecast. Note the 0°C isotherm tends to be a bit higher in terms of altitude than the level to which snow falls. http://modeles2.meteociel.fr/modeles_gfs/runs/2018102606/21-526UK.GIF?26-6 

Gavin D posting FI mild charts. 

So, so annoying. 

I actually like that in winter as it means that we are in or about enter a cold snap. 

Griceland

That has cropped up. 

Seeing as until 2010,i hadn't  seen deep lying snow on the ground for nearly 20 years,the " wintry showers expected,especially over higher ground " I find the most annoying.As it usually means my area will get cold rain or sleet,and  gives an excuse for the Daily Express to publish another "New Mini Ice Age To Hit The UK " headline.

Pizza slice